World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Vucic says sanctions on Russia are an EU entry condition for Serbia
Former Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic said Serbia has been told that sanctions on Russia are among the conditions for joining the European Union.
He said the requirement is part of the conditions for access to the EU single market under Chapter 31.
Vucic said he wants Serbia to avoid imposing sanctions and to maintain its traditional ties with Russia.
He added that Serbia has its own policy and that Moscow understands its choice to pursue EU integration.
Serbia’s EU membership process has been delayed.
In August, European Integration Minister Nemanja Starovic said Serbia aimed to join the Schengen area by the end of 2027 while seeking access to the European market and easier movement for its citizens.
The government has formed a task force to meet the requirements for joining Schengen.
Former Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic said sanctions on Russia had become one of the conditions for Serbia to join the European Union.
He said the requirement was included among the conditions for access to the EU single market under Chapter 31.
Vucic said he was seeking to avoid imposing sanctions on Russia.
He said Serbia had its own policy and that the Kremlin understood its choice to pursue EU integration.
In August, Serbia’s European integration minister said the country aimed to join the Schengen area by the end of 2027.
- Who
- Former Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic.
- What
- He said sanctions on Russia had become one of the conditions for Serbia’s EU accession.
- When
- In an interview reported on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Serbia; the interview was with RT Balkan.
- Why
- The reported requirement is tied to Serbia’s EU integration and access to the single market.
European Union
Aleksandar Vucic
Sanctions on Russia
European Union
Vucic said imposing sanctions had become a condition for Serbia’s EU integration.
Aleksandar Vucic
Vucic said he was seeking not to impose sanctions on Russia.
Serbia’s European integration minister said the country intended to join the Schengen area by the end of 2027.
Vedomosti reported Vucic’s remarks in an interview with RT Balkan.
- Reported EU condition
- Sanctions on Russia
- EU accession chapter
- Chapter 31
- Interview outlet
- RT Balkan
- Schengen target
- By the end of 2027
What people are saying
We are focused on strengthening our economy and preserving traditional friendly ties.
Serbia has its own policy.
The Kremlin understands this.







